It’s hard to turn a train around

That’s rolling down its track

It goes straight in one direction

There is no going back

There are no exit sidings

To reverse this old train’s course

No way to do a U-turn

With straight rails that enforce

And as this train builds up its speed

And the curves begin to strain

As the ballast starts to crumble

And the ties cry out in pain

As the rails begin to separate

And the cold wheels plow the ground

Sinking deeply into the mire

The forward motion loss profound

This reminds me of our nation

Once bountiful and grounded

The envy of the world

Proud citizens abounded

Now the bounty dwindles

As the pride begins to fade

Half the next generation

Can’t get beyond the eighth grade

We manufacture nothing

We consume with weakened dollars

Talk of cut entitlements

Brings on panic and loud hollers

We’ve dug ourselves into a hole

It’s time to throw the shovel out

And get back to simple principles

We should have never done without

Don’t spend more money than you make

That includes us AND Uncle Sam

Quit expecting handouts

When get yourself into a jam

Personal responsibility for one’s own actions

Is not a questionable demand

It’s the primary foundation

Of the cornerstone of our land

Copyright 2009 Patrick A. Granfors